Carmelitas Mexican Restaurant
Last inspected: Apr 7, 2026
78
Score
The health department has logged nine inspections at Carmelitas Mexican Restaurant, the earliest from 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 7, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near seven violations per visit.
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing six times across the record.
Carmelitas Mexican Restaurant scores about where you'd expect for a Largo restaurant. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 7, 2026
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade accumulated with food debris. Plastic interior plate of ice machine accumulated with with brown substance.
22-02-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer in upper left corner. Operator removed ice block. **Corrected On-Site**
14-69-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided printed sign to operator. **Corrected On-Site**
51-13-4
78
Dec 29, 2025
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Basic - Accumulation of black/green in the interior of the ice machine/bin located near walk-in freezer.
22-20-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
35B-01-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice in ice bin in bar area. Operator removed scoop. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-08-5
Basic - Stored food not covered. Container of cooked beans and shredded chicken not covered in walk-in cooler. Operator covered items. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
78
Jan 6, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Reach in cooler by left of grill cut leafy greens (48F - Cold Holding) Employee put in walk in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. 1-4 cut tomatoes 1-4 cook beef Covered during inspection **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Reach in cooler Under pizza
23-24-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Over can't close due to silver plate in the way. Employee closed.
14-11-5
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice in bar area. Employee moved **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Reach in cooler under pizza maker
05-09-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets of Reach in cooler Under pizza **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler Under pizza **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Bottom reach in cooler
14-33-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Chicken made 1-4 uncovered Red sauce made on 12-30 Virra sauce uncovered Walk in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-12-5
50
Aug 15, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Deli cooler sour cream (46F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (45F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (45F - Cold Holding); Manager put half pan and put into walk in cooler sour cream (44F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (43F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (43F - Cold Holding); **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Phone on top of single service gloves box.
40-06-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. During inspection observed standing water back of restaurant outside with stand water. Called plumber during inspection.
36-22-4
Basic - Interior of oven has accumulation of food debris at cook line employee cleaned and sanitized during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris gaskets of reach in cooler below pizza oven.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler below pizza oven. And Walk in cooler.
22-16-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Single service at deli cook line. Management moved **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Location: Walk in coolerA Made yesterday salsa, beans, chicken Owner put cover on. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Was 0 ppm. Now 50 ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
21-07-4
58
Feb 19, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. 2-1-24
50-17-3
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging on grill. Employee moved. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Salsa and beans with no cover made on Saturday no lid. In walk in cooler. Owner put in lids on both products **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
78
Oct 17, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Salsa at serving station temp at 47F. In glasses. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin In back storage area.
22-20-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles at cook line.
23-24-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Manager chained up **Corrected On-Site**
51-11-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Juices bottles in bar area on floor. Manager moved **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer at bar used for mugs. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice at bar. Manager cleaned and replaced **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Onions cut before washing. **Corrective Action Taken**
08B-39-4
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Employee moved off floor **Corrected On-Site**
21-38-4
58
Jun 24, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw beef and chicken over French fries in walk in freezer **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-24: Observed ready to eat food bread stored in pan with raw steak. Raw chicken stored above ready to eat foods. Operator moved raw chicken to bottom freezer shelf. Moved bread to top shelf in walk-in freezer. **Admin Complaint** **Corrected On-Site**
08A-02-6
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooler at servers station salsa (49F - Cold Holding), retemp 42F. Reach in cooler under service window - cut lettuce (45F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese blend (44F - Cold Holding); diced tomatoes (45F - Cold Holding), ice bag placed on items, retemp lettuce 49F, cheese 43F, tomatoes 48F **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-24: Reach-in cooler under service window. Checked temps at 1:45pm A. Salsa 51f B. Shredded Cheese 61f C. Diced tomatoes 57f D. Cut lettuce 51f Operator placed items in ice pans in the walk-In freezer ** Corrective Action Taken** Re temped at 2:20pm A. Salsa 35f B. Shredded cheese 42f C. Diced tomatoes 42f D. Cut lettuce 38f **Admin Complaint** **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Accumulation of grease buildup on grill **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-24: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-24: **Time Extended**
22-20-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Some ceiling tiles over kitchen stained and not smooth and easily cleanable **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-24: **Time Extended**
36-37-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. A/C vents above cook line soiled **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-24: **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Wood cutting boards on cook line **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-24: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Cracked floor tiles on cook line **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-24: **Time Extended**
36-17-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. Mug freezer behind bar **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-24: **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use utensil not stored on a clean portion of food preparation or cooking equipment. Tongs hanging on soiled pipe above cook line **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-24: Observed tongs hanging on soiled pipe on cook line. Operator removed tongs and in process of cleaning pipe. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
10-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled Cooler gaskets soiled on cook line **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-06-24: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
45
Apr 13, 2023
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 3 major violations. 19 minor violations.
View 28 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw beef and chicken over French fries in walk in freezer **Warning**
08A-02-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef over cooked sauce I walk in cooler, discussed prior storage with operator **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over raw beef in walk-in cooler **Warning**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooler at servers station salsa (49F - Cold Holding), retemp 42F. Reach in cooler under service window - cut lettuce (45F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese blend (44F - Cold Holding); diced tomatoes (45F - Cold Holding), ice bag placed on items, retemp lettuce 49F, cheese 43F, tomatoes 48F **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. peppers onions (103F - Hot Holding) on cook line, discussed reheating to 165F for hot hold at 135F **Warning**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 1 live fly near servers station **Warning**
35A-02-6
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-05-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Accumulation of grease buildup on grill **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Container of water in hand sink on cook line, removed during inspection **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed fruit over bucket of food in walk-in cooler **Warning**
08B-17-4
Basic - Water draining onto floor surface. Hand sink on cook line **Warning**
29-03-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. At server's station **Warning**
21-09-4
Basic - Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. 0ppm, corrected to 200ppm per chlorine manufacture **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
21-07-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Some ceiling tiles over kitchen stained and not smooth and easily cleanable **Warning**
36-37-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. A/C vents above cook line soiled **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Wood cutting boards on cook line **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table next to cook line, drinks removed **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cell phone on shelf above prep table **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Cracked floor tiles on cook line **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-17-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. Mug freezer behind bar **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. On oven door handles on cook line, removed during inspection **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored on a clean portion of food preparation or cooking equipment. Tongs hanging on soiled pipe above cook line **Warning**
10-02-4
Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. **Warning**
51-18-6
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled Cooler gaskets soiled on cook line **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Soiled dry wiping cloth in use. **Warning**
21-10-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Tortilla chip bin on top shelf of dry storage, bin covered **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-12-5
12
Aug 1, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 19 minor violations.
View 23 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. -milk (46F - Cold Holding); salsa (48F - Cold Holding) Discussed ice bathing items during time of inspection. Door not closing properly Items held out of temp for less than 4 hours
03A-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. -raw chicken(not in original package) above fries in walk-in freezer -raw shell eggs over cut tomatoes in walk-in cooler Discussed proper hierarchy with operator during time of inspection.
08A-17-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -stove top has accumulation of food residue -grill top has accumulation of food residue -can opener blade has accumulation of food residue
22-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. -at dish machine
41-17-4
Basic - -Ice buildup in reach-in freezer chest at exit door -reach in freezer in bar area
14-69-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. -in dry storage area
51-11-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. -plates at dish drying rack
24-05-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. -at steam table
14-09-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. -drink on prep table next to single service items
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. -employees raw shell eggs above vegetables in walk-in cooler Operator moved eggs during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-49-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. -keys stored above tortilla at cooks line -wallet stored above sauce at cooks line
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. -reach in cooler at wait station door is torn
14-11-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -floor at cooks line has accumulation of food residue -vents in kitchen have accumulation of dust
36-73-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. -at dish drying rack -ceiling in dry storage room has a hole
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. -bottle with oil at cooks line Operator moved item during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. -on stove handle in kitchen
10-20-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. -oven with grill has accumulation of food residue **Repeat Violation**
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -reach in cooler gasket at cooks line has accumulation of food residue -hood filters have accumulation of grease -shelf above can opener has accumulation of dust -walk-in cooler racks have accumulation of food residue
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. -coffee filters in bar area
25-05-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. -reach in cooler next to stove on cooks line
29-49-6
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. -at walk-in freezer
42-01-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. -at steam table in kitchen
21-12-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. -container with powder substances on cooks line
02D-01-5
23
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Carmelitas Mexican Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Carmelitas Mexican Restaurant on file is from Apr 7, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Carmelitas Mexican Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Carmelitas Mexican Restaurant.
How does Carmelitas Mexican Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Largo?
Carmelitas Mexican Restaurant most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is about the same as the Largo average of 75.
Has Carmelitas Mexican Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Carmelitas Mexican Restaurant have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Carmelitas Mexican Restaurant means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Carmelitas Mexican Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Carmelitas Mexican Restaurant is inspected around two times per year on average.
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